Granting a Military Family’s Wish for an Autism Service Dog
Good Dog! Autism Companions and The Drake Center for Veterinary Care team up to fund-raise for local boy’s service dog.
Oceanside CA— After nearly one year of fundraising, Cameron Langager is close to having his one wish granted- an autism service dog of his very own. Together with Good Dog! Autism Companions, a local veterinary center in Encinitas has stepped up to help ensure that Cameron’s dream becomes a reality.
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care first became involved in 2013, when they raised $10,000 for a facility service dog. In 2014, Drake the dog, began her career helping local children at the Comprehensive Autism Center (CAC), in Oceanside.[See story here]
During a therapy session at the CAC, Cameron was introduced to Drake. His mother, Christine Langager, describes the experience- “It was the first time he actually participated,” she said. “(He) answered questions, responded, and gave suggestion. Since verbally expressing his thoughts are rare, it was a major break though in his therapy.”
Laura Sylvester, the executive director of Good Dog!, chose to help the Langager’s raise the funds because they deserve a “give back”. Cameron’s father is an active duty Marine, and his absence is difficult for Cameron.
Seeing what an impact Drake had on Cameron’s therapy, inspired The Drake Center to champion the final push to help Cameron get his dog.
Operation K9 for Cameron has raised $8,420 towards its goal of $13,500. The Drake Center will be selling tote bags and hats for $20-all proceeds going towards the charity. In addition, they have pledged to match up to $1,000 in cash donations that are made at the center.
Christine is so appreciative of everyone’s efforts involved in Operation K9 for Cameron. She says that the opportunity for her son is “life changing. It’s so much more than a dog- It’s community, it’s education, it’s hope.”
The Drake Center will be accepting donations at 195 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas.
About the Drake Center
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care is an Encinitas, CA-based veterinary hospital that provides high quality, compassionate pet care to families in North San Diego County. Founded in 1989, The Drake Center combines sound medical expertise, exceptional client service and a deep passion for animal s to create a veterinary care experience that is truly one of a kind. For more information visit www.thedrakecenter.com
About Good Dog! Autism Companions
Good Dog! is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt non-profit dedicated to providing more love & acceptance in lives of children with autism, their families & the larger community through autism service dog companionship. We rely on charitable donations to help families in need and to provide public outreach to special needs schools, camps, day-care facilities, therapy facilities, and related institutions.
For more information about Good Dog! Autism Companions please visit www.gooddogautismcimpanions.org.
For more about Operation K9 for Cameron visit http://www.gooddogautismdonations.org/participant/202967